Chapter 10-11
Quotes
Record at least 5 quotes from your assigned reading. Include page numbers in the next column.
Respond, using a variety of reflection types. Use the codes above to label your responses and try to include a variety of different reflections.
- Question: Pose a question or record something that confuses you so far.
- Understand: Explain how a previous question or uncertainty has been answered for you.
- Evaluate: Make a judgment on the character's actions, the author's message, or another facet of the text.
- Reflect: Apply the quote to a broader theme or universal conflict. What does it tell you about the human condition?
- Your World: Make a connection between the text and your life or experiences.
| Quote | Response |
|---|---|
| "War doesn't negate decency. It demands it, even more than in times of peace." | Evaluate: This quote highlights the moral complexity that arises in times of war. It challenges the notion that war justifies inhumane actions, instead suggesting that difficult times require an even greater commitment to decency and humanity. Reflect: This quote speaks to the universal conflict between morality and survival. It suggests that true character is revealed not in ease and comfort, but in times of challenge and adversity. |
| "Zendagi migzara," he said. Life goes on. | Your World: This phrase is a poignant reminder that, regardless of our hardships or joys, life moves forward. It resonates with my personal belief in resilience and the importance of moving forward, despite the challenges we face. Reflect: This quote encapsulates the inevitability of time and the relentless march of life. It speaks to the universal human experience of facing change and the necessity of adaptation. |
| "I wish Hassan had been with us today," he said. | Question: This quote raises questions about the depth of Baba's guilt and regret concerning Hassan. What is the full extent of Baba's feelings towards Hassan, and how do they affect his relationship with Amir? Reflect: This quote reveals the complexity of human emotions and relationships, highlighting how guilt and unspoken truths can linger and impact our connections with others. |
| "What happens in a few days, sometimes even a single day, can change the course of a whole lifetime." | Evaluate: This quote is a powerful commentary on the fragility of life and the profound impact of our actions and choices. It speaks to the idea that life can be unpredictable and that a single event can have far-reaching consequences. Reflect: This quote touches on the theme of fate versus free will. It suggests that while we may have control over our choices, we cannot always predict or control their outcomes. |
| "They pay for that, making up stories?" | Your World: This quote resonates with me as a writer. It reflects the skepticism often faced by creative professionals in justifying the practicality and value of their work in a world that frequently prioritizes more conventional careers. Reflect: This quote illustrates the universal conflict between pursuing one's passion and societal expectations. It highlights the struggle many face in balancing personal fulfillment with practicality. |
Function of Contrasts
Contrasts can exist in literature in a variety of different forms. Consider what kinds of contrasts you can think of so far in The Kite Runner. These can be, but are not limited to, contrasting:
- Characters
- Perspectives
- Settings
- Events
- Values
- Choices
To study the function of contrasts, we must ask why they matter. In the boxes below, identify three different contrasts that exist in The Kite Runner. Then, in the space below, explain their function, or why they matter. Connect these answers with conflicts, themes, and cultural or social contexts
| Type of Contrast | Textual Support | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Amir and Hassan | Amir is a privileged Pashtun boy, whereas Hassan is a Hazara and Amir's servant. Despite their close friendship, Amir often struggles with the societal implications of their bond, leading to feelings of guilt and conflict, especially after failing to protect Hassan from abuse. | This contrast underscores the theme of class and ethnic divisions in Afghanistan. It highlights the deeply ingrained prejudices and injustices in Afghan society. The contrast also drives the novel's central conflict of Amir's journey towards redemption, as he grapples with the consequences of his childhood choices and the societal norms that influenced them. |
| Afghanistan and America | The novel contrasts life in Kabul, Afghanistan, with life in California, USA. Kabul is portrayed as a place of Amir's childhood memories, marked by both beauty and violence, while California represents a place of exile and new beginnings. | This contrast explores themes of identity and belonging. For Amir and Baba, America offers a chance to escape the turmoil of their home country, but it also brings the challenges of assimilation and nostalgia for a lost homeland. This setting contrast also highlights the cultural and social contexts of immigrant experiences, particularly the struggles of adapting to a new world while holding on to one's cultural heritage. |
| Traditional Values vs. Modern/Individualistic Values | Baba's traditional Afghan values, which emphasize honor, pride, and reputation, often clash with the more individualistic and less formal values prevalent in American society. Amir's pursuit of a writing career, for example, is met with skepticism by Baba, who values more practical professions. | This contrast serves to explore the conflicts between traditional and modern values, especially in the context of immigration and cultural assimilation. It speaks to the broader theme of the immigrant experience, the clash of cultures, and the generational divide in perceptions of success, duty, and personal fulfillment. This contrast also shapes Amir's character development as he navigates between these two value systems, seeking his father's approval while also trying to pursue his own aspirations. |